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Also known as conjunctivitis, pink eye is a common eye infection that can cause painful, itchy, and watery eyes. While it rarely leads to long-term damage, it is highly contagious and must be treated by an eye doctor promptly. To learn more about the causes and symptoms of this condition, review the guide below.

What Causes Pink Eye?

Pink eye occurs when the clear lining between the eyelid and the eyeball becomes infected and inflamed. This irritates the blood vessels, causing one or both eyes to appear bloodshot. The infection can spread easily through physical contact, as infected discharge can be passed from one person’s hands to another. 

The cause of the infection is typically viral or bacterial. If you have a cold, respiratory infection, or another virus that produces mucus, that mucus can transfer onto your hand and then spread into your eye, causing a new infection. Pink eye can also occur if you get something caught in your eye and it becomes irritated, or if you’re wearing dirty contact lenses that are hosting bacteria.

Occasionally, pink eye can be caused by allergies, which is not contagious but just as uncomfortable. Irritants such as pollen, pet dander, grass, and mold can irritate the eyes and inflame its sensitive membranes.

What Are the Symptoms of Pink Eye?

Because common pink eye symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other serious eye conditions, it’s important to see your eye doctor for a proper diagnosis. But in general, common signs of conjunctivitis include itchy, watery eyes, intense redness, eye discharge, frequent tearing, and crusting around the eyelids

How Is Pink Eye Treated?

eye doctorTo alleviate severe pink eye symptoms, your eye doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops and antiviral medication. More mild cases may require applying a cold compress to your eye, and/or taking an antihistamine to resolve symptoms if the reaction is related to allergies.

Pink Eye Prevention Tips

Of course, the best way to take care of pink eye is to avoid it altogether. You can prevent infection by washing your hands regularly, drying them with a clean towel, and refraining from touching your eyes throughout the day.

If you wear contact lenses, always wash your hands before and after you handle your contacts. Similarly, use clean towels after washing your face and change your pillowcases frequently.

 

If you’re worried that you or a loved one might have pink eye, get in touch with Abel Klecker & Robbins in Fayette County, KY for an eye doctor you can trust. Locally owned and operated, this practice is backed by more than 60 of experience and features a father-daughter team of optometrists. Visit their website to learn more, and call (859) 269-6921 to speak with a skilled optometrist today.
 

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